National Hockey League players past and present are giving back to the community and raising funds for a local organization.
The City of Vernon, in partnership with the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), Predator Ridge Resort and Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation (VJHF), announced on the Kal Beach pier Friday that NHLPA members will be participating in the NHLPA Community Celebration, a community event and VJHF fundraiser at Kalamalka Beach on Friday, July 10 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
“The family-friendly NHLPA Community Celebration will feature a significant donation of hockey equipment made by the players’ NHLPA Goals & Dreams fund to local grassroots hockey programs, as well as live music, activities and an opportunity to meet current and past NHL players,” said Kevin Poole with the City of Vernon.
Many NHL players are scheduled to appear at the NHLPA Community Celebration, which will feature, among other things, a standup paddling game of polo.
Vernon’s Curtis Lazar of the Ottawa Senators is among the current NHL players committed to the event.
“I’ve been in the water before, but never been on a standup paddle,” smiled Lazar, who will be joined at the event by other current NHL stars such as David Booth of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Andrew Ference of the Edmonton Oilers, Josh Gorges of the Buffalo Sabres, Scott Hartnell and Ryan Johansen of the Columbus Blue Jackets, brothers Brayden and Luke Schenn of the Philadelphia Flyers and more players to be announced at a later date.
Former NHL players confirmed include Vernon’s Brent Gilchrist and Dean McAmmond, Cory Cross, Fernando Pisani, Joe Reekie, Mathieu Schneider, Steve Webb and Rob Zamuner.
“NHLPA Goals & Dreams has helped tens of thousands of children around the world get a chance to play hockey, and will give back to more hockey fans right here in Vernon with the NHLPA Community Celebration event,” said Lazar.
“I am proud to be here today representing the NHLPA, and I look forward to joining a number of fellow players at the NHLPA Community Celebration this July for what is sure to be a fun day celebrating our great game.”
“Vernon Mayor Akbal Mund said the partnership between the city, NHLPA, Predator Ridge and VJHF will provide tangible benefits to the community in the support it gives to the foundation, and in showcasing the world-class Predator Ridge resort.
Vernon has produced a number of outstanding athletes and has a rich hockey culture, so I encourage the community to come out to support VJHF and meet their NHL heroes on July 10,” said Mund.
The event is free to the public but donations to the foundation will be encouraged.
Donors to the VJHF will receive meals and refreshments, as well as the opportunity to win a jersey signed by one of their favourite NHL players.
Free parking will be available at Okanagan College, and shuttle service to and from Kalamalka Beach will be available.
Proceeds will help the foundation support psychiatry and mental health issues,with a special emphasis on youth and adolescence.
“We’re super excited the NHLPA decided to host their event here, and we’re very very grateful they’ll be donating proceeds and funds to the foundation,” said Dr. Michael Concannon of the foundation. “We’re very excited to work with them to improve health care in the North Okanagan.”
Predator Ridge will host the NHLPA’s annual golf tournament on Thursday, July 9, an event that’s closed to the public.
Brad Pelletier of Predator Ridge said talks with the NHLPA to host some kind of community event in the North Okanagan began last year.
“Predator Ridge is thrilled to be hosting the NHLPA Golf Classic and to be a major part of this civic celebration in a city so deeply rooted in hockey tradition,” said Pelletier.“We are grateful to the city and the NHLPA for their wonderful support and for rewarding the citizens of Vernon.”
In order to raise even more funds for VJHF, the NHLPA has donated autographed jerseys of NHL players.
Auction details will be released at a later date.
There will also be several autographed jerseys auctioned off at the NHLPA Community Celebration on July 10.
